• Gettysburg Optimist Meeting - Respect for Law

    Date: May 07, 2025
    Time: 6:00 PM
    Location: Member Doug Miller House

  • Gettysburg Optimist Meeting

    Date: June 04, 2025
    Time: 6:00 PM
    Location: Lake Heritage

Get Involved!

The Gettysburg Optimist Club is a 501c3 organization with all donations going directly to youth organizations in the local Gettysburg Community. The Gettysburg, PA Chapter was chartered in 1958 as an affiliate of Optimist International. Since this time, the Club has been in continuous service to the Gettysburg community and its youth. We are seeking men and women of all ages to join us in serving the needs of our community’s youth. Find out how to get involved by contacting us today.

2024 Giving Spree #83

Members

  • Enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of individuals who get things done and who embrace a similar optimistic mindset.

  • Develop new social and working relationships with individuals from a cross section of our communities and have opportunities to develop and demonstrate leadership skills locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

  • Experience satisfaction from making a difference in lives of children as well as the surrounding communities.

  • Receive as much as they give!

Who We Are

We are local men and women who believe that the youth is the future of our city, state, and nation. We wish to give back to the community that gives so much to us!

What We Do

Our volunteer club raises and donates tens of thousands of dollars annually for local youth organizations. We support great programs in local schools, such as the Reading is Fundamental organization and outdoor education. We also support local sports and musical initiatives, including running a two month basketball program for more than 150 youth. For more information about the projects organizations the Optimist Club of Gettysburg is involved with, visit service projects page.

Latest News

The Optimist Club of Gettysburg met on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 6 PM at Gettysburg Community Theatre, Gettysburg. We had 10 members in attendance and were treated to a performance of voice music by (3) young performers. Afterwards we held our meeting at Upper Crust.

Business Meeting:
1. Secretary’s Report: Approved.

2. Treasure’s report: Approved.

3. President’s Report: Wayne is pictured presenting a check to Chad Allen-Carr (Executive Director) after our members in attendance were treated to a wonderful music performance by three young blossoming performers. Prior to the performance Chad gave us a history lesson regarding the founding of the Arts Theatre and the benefits of offering all kinds of opportunity to actors and performers of all ages. This is the 17th year of the Gettysburg Community Theatre. Chad shared that our Optimist Club has been a sponsor for 17 years. (See picture attached to the minutes)

Gettysburg Community Theatre

Old Business

4. Optimist Basketball (Chair Brian Skidmore)

5. Little League Baseball (Chair Al Parone) – Opening day April 12 @ Gettysburg Area Rec Park. (Rain date April 19)

6. Respect for Law (Chair Doug Miller) – May 7th meeting Doug’s Home

7. Adams County Foundation Giving Spree (Chair Joe MacDowell)

8. RIF (Chair Lyne Aurand) – Participating schools have been contacted and are corresponding with Lyne.

9. Golf Tournament (Chair Daryl & Dan)

  • Date May 15th We are back at “The Links at Gettysburg”
  • Golf Registration flyer is available and can be found on our website “gettysburgoptimist.com”. We are asking everyone to help sell our tournament as this is our major fund raiser. If you have any questions call Dan or Daryl.

10. The Warrior Way Program ( Chair Brent Smith) – Date April 16th Awards & Breakfast at Gettysburg Sr HS. Time:7:45AM

11. Wayne had proposed working a Fundraiser at Granite Hill Campground. The (4) dates of 5/23, 6/14, 7/5, and 9/6 are available for us. The fundraiser is (Bingo) and we will need to supply the game of chance license and at least 3 or more people per event. Wayne is investigating with the owners.  Walt, Brent, Wayne, and Daryl volunteered for the 5/23 date. More information to follow.

New Business

1. Importance of new membership discussed.

Upcoming Dates:

  • 4/16 Warrior Way Program 7:45AM at Gettysburg Sr HS.
  • 4/16 Chamber Mixer at ACNB 675 Old Harrisburg RD 4:30-6:30 (Promote golf tourney)
  • 4/12 Gettysburg Little League Opening Day (4/19 rain date)
  • 5/7 Optimist Meeting 6PM @ Doug Miller’s home (Respect for Law) 3rd Qtr. BOD 5:30 before mtg.
  • 5/14 Dwight D Eisenhower “Senior Self Improvement Award” 7:30AM @ AC Trades Bldg. (RSVP to Walt)
  • 5/15 15th Annual Optimist Golf Tournament (Golf info available and up and on our website)
  • 5/16, 5/17, 5/18 Face of America – (Help needed 5/14, 5/15, 5/19) See Marci
  • 6/4 Optimist Meeting at Lake Heritage Pavilion

Respectfully Submitted, Daryl Aurand, Secretary

Donate Now

The Gettysburg Optimist Club is a 501c3 organization with all donations going directly to youth organizations in the local Gettysburg Community. The Gettysburg, PA Chapter was chartered in 1958 as an affiliate of Optimist International. Since this time, the Club has been in continuous service to the Gettysburg community and its youth. Donate today to make a direct impact on Bringing out the Best in Kids.

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